Global Masters Wine of the Week: Gusbourne sparkling rosé 2015

Every week, we select a wine that picked up either a Gold or Master from our competition series, and tell you why the judges loved it. Enter the Global Masters, and this could be your wine.

Last weekend, thousands of consumers and trade professionals descended on the Chelsea Old Town Hall for the revival of db‘s Wine Show Chelsea.

As well as hosting wine and spirits exhibitors from all over the world, we also set up a table showcasing the very best wines from our annual competition series. We couldn’t help but notice how many of our guests wanted to try this pretty little sparkler from Kentish winery Gusbourne Estate.

Made with the same grapes used for Champagne, and rested on its lees for almost two years, Gusbourne’s 2015 rosé is a great example of the kinds of sparkling wine England is now capable of producing.

Some guests who tried the 2015 rosé were impressed with its creaminess, which helps to balance the bright red cherry, strawberries and red currant flavours that come from a large amount of Pinot Noir in the blend.

“Oooh that’s lovely,” remarked one consumer, while another wanted to know if it was really made in Kent.

“That’s just half an hour from where I live!” said another, beaming at this revelation.

With the festive season coming up, we think this fizz would be an ideal accompaniment to Christmas party canapés, from smoked salmon blinis to goats cheese and fig crostini.

The wine: Gusbourne Estate sparkling rosé

The source: Kent, UK

The grape(s): Pinot Noir (54%), Pinot Meunier (32%), Chardonnay (14%)

ABV: 12%

Time on lees: 28 months

Dosage: 7g/l-8g/l

The style: A light, fresh, oak-aged sparkling rosé wine

The winemaker: Charlie Holland

The price: £30-£50

The medal: Gold – The Global Rosé Masters, 2019

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, the Global Wine Masters provides a chance for your wines to star, whether they hail from the great vineyards of Europe or lesser-known corners of the New World.

It’s a competition dedicated to making winners out of winemakers.

Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or please call +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com